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KIRK PENTON, QMI Agency

The Bombers might be getting a key member of their defence back for Friday’s game against the Montreal Alouettes.

On the other hand, they could be without their starting quarterback for longer than expected.

Head coach Paul LaPolice said Friday he’s “hoping” weak-side linebacker Marcellus Bowman, who has missed the first five games of the season with a leg injury, will be in the lineup against the Als.

Meanwhile, LaPolice said No. 1 quarterback Buck Pierce, who tore a muscle and ligaments in his left foot on July 13, will likely be out longer than the four weeks the pivot was hoping to miss at most.

“He’s a long way. September,” LaPolice said. “… I know he’s a ways away. I know when he comes back from the bye week it’s still going to be some time.”

The defence will get better when Bowman returns. Dustin Doe had been filling in for the Boston College product, but Canadian Henoc Muamba got his second career start on Thursday against the Eskimos because Doe was banged up.

“He did some good things,” LaPolice said. “He’s physical and he flies around.”

Jeremy McGee pulled a hamstring during Thursday’s 23-22 win over the Eskimos, but missed only three or four plays.

FOLLOWING ORDERS

Fourth-round draft pick Jake Thomas had the play of the game for the Bombers when he forced Esks quarterback Steven Jyles to fumble with 43 seconds left in Thursday’s contest.

It was a result, in part, to coaching that happened during the week.

“We talked a lot about sprinting to the ball last week,” LaPolice said. “That’s what’s pretty neat about it. We had a real good week of practice running to the ball and then it shows up on tape. That’s something you can keep coaching.”

LATE HITS

LaPolice said the Bombers will continue to platoon Steve Morley and Paul Swiston at right guard … The only player LaPolice outed when discussing the secondary breakdowns that led to Edmonton touchdowns was Johnny Sears, although the coach pointed out he was playing just his third game at boundary halfback … The Bombers have sold more than 26,000 tickets for Friday’s game against the Alouettes.